RockBLOCK APNT is a compact PCBA that packages the Iridium PNT ASIC with the power, antenna, and host connections required for evaluation, prototyping, and OEM integration. It provides an independent positioning source and UTC-referenced 1PPS timing without requiring developers to create a custom carrier board around the ASIC. Iridium PNT signals are approximately 1,000 times stronger than standard GPS/GNSS signals, supporting reliable operation of UAVs and robotics where GNSS reception is degraded.
Developers can power and access RockBLOCK APNT through USB-C during initial testing, including connection through a virtual COM port, before transitioning to embedded interfaces such as LVTTL UART, SPI, I²C, UART, and GPIO. The board accepts an external Iridium-capable antenna through a u.FL connection and can operate from either 5 V USB-C power or a 3.3 V supply through its Molex PicoClasp connector. Its 59 × 36.5 × 7.7 mm footprint and 10 g weight enable integration into space-constrained systems requiring an additional source of position and timing data.
RockBLOCK APNT is scheduled for release in September 2026.
Specifications:
| Dimensions: | 59 × 36.5 × 7.7 mm (2.32 × 1.44 × 0.30 in) |
| Weight: | 10 g (0.35 oz) |
| Power Consumption: | 1.2 W max; 0.95 W idle |
| Interfaces: | USB-C, LVTTL UART, SPI, I²C, UART, GPIO |
